Fall 2024 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
October 31st, November 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, 2024
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SCARCE SAVAGE MODEL 1907 U.S. TEST TRIALS TRIALS SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL
24-4035
Cal. 45 ACP
S# 166. Bbl. 5 3/8″
Exceptionally scarce (one of approx. 288) Model 1907 semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP mfg. by Savage for the military test trials. The trials were brought about notably by the U.S. Army’s experience during the Philippine Insurrection, where they noted the lackluster performance and stopping power of the their current .38 caliber revolvers. While the Model 1907 and its further iterations performed well during the trials, it ultimately lost out to the (now) iconic Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol. This example is marked “MANUFACTURED BY SAVAGE ARMS CO./ UTICA N.Y. U.S.A. PAT.NOV.21.1905,” followed by “CAL.45” over the top of the solid bbl. rib, indicating that it was not returned to Savage, refurbished, and then sold off commercially. The left side of the frame bears no “SAFE” and “FIRE” markings, as these markings were requested after initial testing had already begun and were added to later produced examples that were sent by Savage to replace the pistols that had been “lost” in transit after testing. The frame, slide, and bolt assembly exhibit a professionally reapplied blue finish overall, while the trigger exhibits a case color hardened finish. Mag. release is blued. Bbl. is polished in-the-white. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Half-moon blade front sight, with U-notch rear sight. Butt of frame features a unique pinned lanyard loop, which, when the mag. is removed, can pivot into a slot inside the frame. Matching numbers are present on the frame and rear sight/extractor. Slide is numbered “8” and bolt assembly is numbered “201”, with the slide release lever and grips being numbered “73”. Left grip panel appears to be of contemporary production, with the “73” stamped on the interior being notably larger than on the right grip. Bbl. is unnumbered. The frame’s S# is not listed on page 261 of “U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1894-1920” by Scott Meadows. MAGS: 1 unnumbered 8-rd. nickel-plated mag.
STATUS: CURIO
